Presidents Day 2026: What You Need to Know About Holiday Hours and Closures
Every year on the third Monday of February, the United States celebrates George Washington's Birthday, also known as Presidents Day, to honor all U.S. presidents. This holiday falls after Valentine's Day and results in the closure of non-essential federal agencies and some businesses. It is advisable to verify specific store holiday hours before visiting.
Presidents Day in 2026 is on Monday, February 16. Originally established in 1879 to commemorate George Washington's Birthday on February 22, 1732, the holiday was later moved to the third Monday of February in 1971. While officially named Washington's Birthday, the term Presidents Day has become more commonly used to honor all U.S. presidents.
Although the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, UPS and FedEx shipping services will still be operational, with potential delays. Major retailers like Aldi, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Costco will maintain regular business hours. Similarly, Walgreens and CVS will operate as usual, but pharmacy hours may vary by location. Popular restaurant chains such as McDonald's, Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A will remain open, while small and local businesses may have different operating hours.
Every year, non-essential federal offices close for Presidents Day, including the U.S. Post Office, libraries, banks, schools, and the stock market. It is essential to confirm the hours of any government office or service before planning a visit.